Modernization of the Danish Patent Office

The article describes the problems which built up in the Danish Patent Office from 1977 to 1983, when it was thought that the government would ratify the European Patent Convention, and the steps taken since then to modernize the Office and deal with the staff problems and the backlogs which had built up when it became clear that ratification would not be achieved. The backlog of 40 000 pending patent applications was trimmed by over 7000 applications in which there was now no interest, extra staff engaged, outside training assistance sought, and a large computerisation program initiated. Efficiency of the technical staff resources is enhanced by postponing the examination of priority claiming applications until information of the progress of these applications to grant in one of a number of specified countries is obtained from the INPADOC PFS and PRS databases. The modernization of the Office, which is directed towards its internal structures and procedures, has for its purpose the improvement not only of services to applicants for industrial property rights, but also of services to users of patent information.